Immunizing compositions comprising nucleic acids encoding the HIV-1 matrix protein myristate binding site

Abstract

The present invention relates to an immunogenic composition. More particularly, the present invention is a composition directed to eliciting an immune response to at least one covalent binding site of myristate (SEQ ID NOS: 1-3) on the HIV matrix protein. The present invention contemplates three categories of embodiments: protein or protein fragments (SEQ ID NO: 1), messenger RNA, or DNA/RNA (SEQ ID NOS:2-3). DNA/RNA compositions may be either naked or recombinant. The present invention further contemplates use with a variety of immune stimulants.

1. An immunizing composition comprising, an expression vector encoding an HIV-1 matrix (MA) protein myristate binding site consisting of SEQ ID NO.: 2, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said composition is capable of selectively eliciting a substantially th-1 immune response to HIV-1. 
     
     
       2. A composition according to  claim 1 , in which said binding site is expressed by a recombinant carrier. 
     
     
       3. A composition according to  claim 2 , wherein said recombinant carrier is bacteria. 
     
     
       4. A composition according to  claim 3 , wherein said bacteria is  Listeria monocytogenes.    
     
     
       5. A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition is combined with an immune stimulant. 
     
     
       6. A composition according to  claim 5 , wherein said immune stimulant is an adjuvant. 
     
     
       7. A composition according to  claim 6 , wherein said adjuvant comprises cobra venom factor in a form adapted to enhance production of C3b. 
     
     
       8. A composition according to  claim 7 , wherein said cobra venom factor is dCVF. 
     
     
       9. An immunizing composition comprising, a first expression vector encoding an HIV-1 matrix (MA) protein myristate binding site consisting of SEQ ID NO.: 2, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a second expression vector encoding an immune stimulant wherein said composition is capable of selectively eliciting a substantially th-1 immune response to HIV-1. 
     
     
       10. An immunizing composition comprising, a first expression vector encoding an HIV-1 matrix (MA) protein myristate binding site consisting of SEQ ID NO.: 2, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a second expression vector encoding an adjuvant wherein said composition is capable of selectively eliciting a substantially th-1 immune response to HIV-1.